Ferdinand has not worn the Three Lions jersey for almost 18 months, and has been consistently ignored by manager Roy Hodgson since he took charge of the national team in May.

But with defenders Nemanja Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling no longer having contracts at United, the 34-year-old's fitness and form has helped fill the void, earning a new 12-month extension at Old Trafford.

"I've not been speaking about my injuries because there haven't been any. Over the last 18 months, I have managed it really well. The club have helped me - it's testament to the club and the medical and science department for helping me along," the Daily Mirror quoted Ferdinand, as saying.

"I'm just happy to be playing consistently, week-in, week out. If the manager needs me to play during the week [as well as at weekends], that's fine as well. I'm more than capable of doing that, as I've proved over the past 18 months," he added.

United's attackers have bailed out the lads at the back to keep United at the top of the pile, but Ferdinand is confident their defensive record will improve once they start to get players fit, the report said.

"I just think no matter what goes on with the team, when you have a bit of stability in terms of personnel, results start forming a bit more consistently," he said.

"We set our stall out at the beginning of the Champions League to make sure we qualify comfortably. We've done that with games to spare and we're sitting nicely in the group," he added. (ANI)